Training to save lives

By Nora D. Tumua 22 May 2016, 12:00AM

More than thirty academic and support staff from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.),  have taken their hats off as educators and support staff and have put on the hat of a learner for three days to learn and gain skills in administering First Aid.

The three- day First Aid Training is part of the Occupational Health and Safety (O.H.S) Emergency Response Program to skill and up-skill participants in administering emergency care and first aid, before the arrival of further medical assistance.

The participants were assigned as Floor wardens and coordinators. As such, they will be responsible in actual administration of the First Aid in case of emergency.  The floor wardens will also take the lead in case of evacuation if the need arises. 

Timu Henry Simi, Occupational Health and Safety Officer of N.U.S., and organizer of the training,  said that, “First Aid skill is not easily acquired unless we undergo training from professional and qualified trainors.” 

“That is why we engaged the services of the Red Cross Samoa to facilitate the training.”

Two experts in the field from Red Cross Samoa, Aiolupotea Goretti Wulf and Ben Mulitalo facilitated the training.

“OHS is a mandated policy by the government that all work places in Samoa should have a safe and healthy work environment.  First Aid is one important part and should be in the priority list of OHS,” said Mr. Simi.

Mandria Sua, Manager Planning Unit, NUS, said, “N.U.S is aligning its HOS activities  with the international and national OHS programs in raising awareness on the importance of having a safe and healthy work environment.”

 “N.U.S. will continue to take the lead in promoting OHS,  in implementing and enforcing its policies and regulations, in ensuring its staff, students and visitors in the campus,  are aware and practice health and safety within the work and school environment.”

 Ms. Sua also talked about the benefits of the training.  She said, “One of the most important benefits we get from the training is the knowing how to save a life in any emergency situation.  Another is gaining such skills and the confidence to perform the ABCs to preserve life is extremely useful not only at workplace but even at homes.”

The training covered first aid administration from a simple wound dressing, stop the bleeding, chocking, drowning, to more complicated cases such as loss of consciousness and heart attacks.  

Ms Sua is truly grateful for the Red Cross time and contribution in sharing their knowledge and experiences with NUS trainees. “It was a fun and very useful exercise”, she said. 

Successful participants will be certified first aiders.  They are encouraged to share the lessons and knowledge with their staff and students through workshops within their own faculty or sections.  

The Vice Chancellor and President of N.U.S. Professor Fui Le’apai Asofou So’o, is happy to note that OHS is  very visible with in the campus due to the collective efforts from those who are taking OHS to its next level.   

Emergency Evacuation Drills are conducted every second semester, and first aid training every two years.  

The next training will be a workshop with the Disaster Management Office (DMO) in preparation for any future natural disasters. 

By Nora D. Tumua 22 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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